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The Hindu
7 hours ago
- The Hindu
Diesel disaster: 19 vehicles break down before M.P CM's visit
Bhopal At least 19 official vehicles arranged for Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav's visit broke down on Thursday evening after allegedly being refuelled with water-contaminated diesel at a fuel station in Ratlam district, officials said on Friday. The incident occurred around 8 p.m. at a petrol pump in Dosigaon village, where the vehicles, mostly SUVs, were refuelled and subsequently suffered engine failure. Emergency repair work was carried out on site, and an investigation was immediately launched. Speaking to The Hindu, Ratlam District Collector Rajesh Batham confirmed that preliminary testing of diesel samples from the pump showed 'a variation in diesel density.' 'An indicator installed at the pump also detected the presence of water in the diesel, yet the fuel was still being sold to customers,' Mr. Batham said. He added that the pump has been sealed and a formal inquiry is underway. An FIR has been registered against the fuel station management under relevant legal provisions. Mr. Batham clarified that the affected vehicles were not part of the Chief Minister's official convoy. 'Several vehicles are hired or arranged for various official duties. These particular vehicles had not yet been assigned to the Chief Minister's convoy when the incident occurred,' he said. Chief Minister Yadav was in Ratlam on Friday to attend the Regional Industry, Skill, and Employment Conclave — MP Rise 2025. The contamination incident caused confusion and chaos at the fuel station, prompting the arrival of officials from multiple departments, including the police. Videos from the scene showed mechanics attempting urgent repairs on the disabled vehicles. Additional vehicles were later requisitioned from Indore to ensure the event continued without disruption.
The Hindu
7 hours ago
- Business
- The Hindu
Defence sector holds promise for start-ups, MSMEs and entrepreneurs, says ex-chief of Confederation of Indian Industry
A new ecosystem is emerging for the defence sector as private industry participation increases, said R. Nandini, former chairperson of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), Southern Region, in Coimbatore on Friday (June 27, 2025). Speaking at the inauguration of The Hindu businessline MSME Growth Conclave – Coimbatore 2025, she said that micro, small and medium-scale enterprises (MSMEs) are at a pivotal moment and are navigating through a complicated international scenario. With regard to the defence sector, there is a shift in government policy and a fundamental change in the mindset of entrepreneurs too, she said. Start-ups, the MSMEs and technology innovators are contributing to national security and defence production. Coimbatore plays a significant role in this as it has its strengths in engineering, manufacturing, and high precision industries. These units are in an advantageous position to contribute and benefit from this transition of the defence sector, she added. Coimbatore has a history of strong collaboration with Germany and this should be showcased globally, she added. Raghuvir Srinivasan, Editor of The Hindu businessline, said the fifth edition of the MSME conclave, which is organised in Bengaluru annually, has expanded this year to Coimbatore. The event had panel discussions on 'Delivering a Big Bang (on defence supplies)' and 'Navigating Global Trade Disruptions'. Ajay Srivastava, founder of the Global Trade Research Initiative, in a fireside chat with Aarathi Krishnan, Consulting Editor of The Hindu businessline, spoke on free trade agreements, the impact of U.S. President Donald Trump's posts on social media, and the trade happening between the U.S. and India. The conclave, powered by Janatics and HDFC Bank, had SSVM Institutions Coimbatore, City Union Bank, Radiance Realty, SIDBI, South Indian Bank, Tally, Milky Mist, Indian Overseas Bank, and Union Bank of India as Associate Partners and Lexus as the Luxury Partner.
The Hindu
8 hours ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
MPs across party lines in parliamentary panel support forward-looking policy for Bangladesh
At a special interaction between four leading experts and the Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs, MPs cutting across party lines displayed a desire to 'move ahead' with India's relation with Bangladesh, it has been learnt. The Hindu had earlier reported that the interaction between the Congress MP Shashi Tharoor-led parliamentary committee and four experts was scheduled for Friday (June 27, 2025) afternoon, where the MPs were expected to be briefed on the latest developments in Dhaka and what India can do to recover the lost ground. 'All Members of Parliament displayed pathos and understanding of the issues between India and Bangladesh and there was a real desire among the MPs to mend the bilateral ties and take things forward,' said a source on condition of anonymity about the interaction between the four experts — former National Security Adviser Shiv Shankar Menon, former Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Riva Ganguly Das, Lieutenant-General Syed Ata Hasnain (Retd) and Dean of School of International Studies of Jawaharlal Nehru University Amitabh Mattoo. Also read | Analysis: Why Hasina fell The Hindu has learnt that the interaction went on for two and a half hours, as the MPs wanted to hear all the suggestions for repairing the ties that nosedived after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was overthrown in a public agitation in August 2024. 'It was a general understanding that Bangladesh is connected through common culture and language and that it should not be viewed as a hostile neighbour like Pakistan,' said a source giving a hint about the discussion that took place in the meeting. The MPs also opined that India should carry out a soft launch of cultural diplomacy involving West Bengal to soften some of the harsh exchanges between the two sides. Bangladesh has recently made a move in that direction with a meeting between its High Commissioner M. Riaz Hamidullah and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in Kolkata last Monday (June 23, 2025). 'West Bengal and Bangladesh are connected through a common language and culture, the legacy of Rabindranath Tagore and Nazrul Islam and this vital link should be utilised for para-diplomacy between New Delhi and Dhaka through public events and interactions,' said a source privy to the discussion held by the Standing Committee. The MPs also raised questions about the China factor in Bangladesh, illegal immigration from Bangladesh to India, and the trilateral meeting between the foreign office officials of Bangladesh, Pakistan and China that was held in Kunming on June 19, 2025.
The Hindu
9 hours ago
- Sport
- The Hindu
R. Sai Kishore discusses his breakthrough IPL season, finger-spinners in T20 cricket, competition for Indian team spots and more.
In this year's Indian Premier League, Tamil Nadu left-arm spinner R. Sai Kishore finally had the breakthrough season he had been looking for. The 28-year-old has had to wait three years for regular game-time and grabbed his chances in 2025, scalping 19 wickets for Gujarat Titans. In this chat with The Hindu, the TN skipper discusses the IPL, finger-spinners in T20 cricket, the competition for spots in the Indian team, and more. Excerpts: How satisfying was this year's IPL? I have been part of IPL for six or seven years, but have never had the opportunity to play a full season. So, very grateful for it. I do not have any attachment towards it. When you get a full season, you know your full potential, whether you can contribute or not. Otherwise, you are just [thinking of] permutations and combinations, whether I am good enough or not. After a full season, I feel very confident that I am ready to play at the highest level. The biggest realisation was that what I have is enough. Sometimes, when you are not competing, you don't know whether what you have is enough or not. What was your approach this year? I tried to stick to my basics, just as I would in any other tournament, such as the Mushtaq Ali, TNPL, or Ranji Trophy. If I execute my plans well, that's more than enough. Sometimes in T20, you can't buy wickets. So, wickets have to happen. I was very happy that the team also used me when the batsmen were trying to attack. And when I could just adapt to the situation, wickets were falling. So, very grateful for it. ALSO READ | Rishabh, the Pant-astic entertainer After your debut in 2022, you sat out 2023 because of the team combination and then an injury cut short your journey last year. How did you handle this phase? In the first year [2022], I had a very good season. You wanted to build on it. You would expect things to just happen. But as time would have it, I think that also was for the good. It made me much more mature and understand my game. As a result, all those experiences occurred because of that break. So when this breakthrough season happened, I was more than ready mentally to handle it. They say the Chinese bamboo tree doesn't grow for years, and suddenly, in one year, it grows. But for about six to seven years, the tree has been forming its roots and strengthening the foundations. This year, you were the leader of the spin attack. Did you enjoy the responsibility? In the other teams I play for, I naturally take on that role. So, it wasn't like I was taken aback or anything. I am waiting for such roles. To be fair, Rashid [Khan] is the best T20 bowler across all the teams. In this decade, he will be the best T20 bowler. Maybe for some reason, he didn't find his rhythm. Because I have done such roles in all the other competitions, it came naturally to me. I just wanted to back myself. Whatever has worked for me in domestic cricket is what has brought me here. Thankfully, Ashish Nehra also trusted me with those roles. Usually, people can be judgmental about a finger-spinner bowling in the death or a left-arm spinner against left-handers. But he trusted me. I am pleased I could deliver for the trust he had. Speaking about finger-spinners, there are not many going around. How can your tribe stay relevant in T20 cricket? The basic thing is to spin the ball. At times, as a finger-spinner, you dart the ball too much. If you can spin the ball, impart revolutions, and have the basics intact, that is where the key lies. Also, being very smart. Sometimes wrist-spinners can get away by being a little simple. They have to just bowl length, turn the ball both ways, and go. As finger-spinners, you have to understand the game, what the batsman is trying to do, what to do and what not to do. That becomes crucial, but still trying to spin the ball. Luckily, I have had coaches who always emphasised that and not just darting it in. I have been working with Ram Kumar for seven or eight years, and even with Aashish Kapoor in Gujarat Titans. Thankfully, I have had good mentors. You tried bowling the carrom ball this year. How did it come about? It is something which I consciously worked on because you can't just sit back. When you miss a lot of games, then naturally you want to develop. I don't have this. I will work on it. That thought was definitely [there] and could have been the seed for it. So, I worked on my carrom ball for the last two to three years. I started bowling it in the Deodhar Trophy two years ago. From there on, it has evolved so much. I didn't want to overuse it and make it a very mainstream thing. I have trust in my left-arm spin. So, whenever the situation arises, I will deliver. You have to keep evolving along with your basics. I feel the perfect left-arm spinner hasn't been formed yet, and I am working towards it. ALSO READ | The curious case of Kuldeep Yadav What is your idea of the perfect left-arm spinner? You should be able to bowl orthodox well. You should be able to dip the ball well. At the same time, also bowl defensively. Then you have the carrom, googly. What I am saying is probably a bit too much, but I want to keep it for myself so that I have something to look forward to. How do you assess your bowling, and what is your process for improving? Of late, I have stopped a lot [of looking at data]. I switch off my mind. If I have a skill, I want to extract it to the best. I am not diagnosing it or dissecting it. Ram is always very critical. It's difficult to get a 'well bowled' from him. I trust him and Aashish Kapoor. Sometimes, if I am drifting or falling apart, they tell me. They are very straightforward. They don't think about whether they are hurting me or not. Has captaincy helped you? It has helped me see the game from a larger perspective. Thinking not just as a bowler but also what a batsman does and thinking in terms of team dynamics. I have been grateful that when I started leading, we [Tamil Nadu] have done well in the last few years, and players are doing well. I wouldn't say it is [because of me]. I spoke to other captains and former cricketers. W.V. Raman sir helped a lot. He gave his inputs on how to keep the team together and what not to do. I interacted with him a lot during the 2023-24 season. India has quality left-arm spinners in Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel. And last year, Harsh Dubey did exceedingly well with bat and ball. How do you see the competition for spots? We are filled with talent. I am just trying to make my garden beautiful. If the flowers are beautiful, there will be bees here. If the garden is not beautiful, bees won't come. My philosophy is very simple. I just want to keep my garden very beautiful, very attractive. Automatically, what has to come will come. I trust the timing of the universe. When it comes, it will flow. You have to wait for it. I just want to make sure I am ready with all the skill-sets. If I go there, I don't want to turn back and say, 'No, I have to work on this'. I have got some learnings from IPL. I am just working on it here in TNPL. I think the best delivery I can have is patience.
The Hindu
9 hours ago
- Science
- The Hindu
IIA researchers use commercial dish TV antennas to measure Sun's magnetic field
A team of scientists and engineers from the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) radio astronomy group has used a novel technique to measure the Sun's magnetic field using commercial dish TV antennas. The technique involves measuring the magnetic field in the solar chromosphere, the region between the Sun's photosphere and corona, using the commercial dish TV antennas. The team demonstrated the technique recently. According to the team, the antennas operate at a frequency of 11.2 GHz, which is in the radio astronomy band of the electromagnetic spectrum. They said that this novel and unique effort has paved the way for regular measurement of the Sun's magnetic field from its surface to the outer layers of its atmosphere. 'Measurement of the magnetic field in the solar chromosphere is a key link to establish the connection between the Sun's surface and its corona from where the space weather disturbances originate. We are glad to have established a comparatively low-cost facility in the institute's Radio Astronomy Field Station in Gauribidanur for this purpose,' R. Ramesh, senior IIA professor and in charge of the Gauribidanur radio astronomy field station, told The Hindu. Spurring other experiments Prof. Ramesh said that the affordable set-up is expected to spur the educational institutions in the country to establish a similar facility on their campus, thereby paving the way for affordable astronomy that can provide valuable scientific quality data in addition to being a test bed to develop new technology within the country. Students from BMS College of Engineering, Bengaluru, and Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetam, Bengaluru Campus, were involved in the set-up in Gauribidanur as part of their academic project work. He said the set-up will cost ₹20 lakh. 'This is a paltry sum compared to the budget required to establish a similar facility for measuring the Sun's magnetic field via conventional optical astronomy techniques, either from ground or space platforms,' he added.
